Hi Guys
I have a problem with my SP HERITAGE UNIT, it's made by KATO, now first of all, I bought this loco, a year and a half ago, and it hasn't been out of the box until 2 days ago, I ran it up and down in my railyard, it ran a little rough, the next day, I thought I would give it another good run, well it didn't make a inch of a move, the headlights wouldn't even come on, I pressed on the top of the loco thinking it needed a little help to make contact with the tracks, well the lights would come on BUT no movement! What could be the problem????
Thanks Guys n gals
Trainsrme1
Use a multimeter to verify track power. Double-check your techniques, or steps, in getting the decoder to acknowledge signals. (Is this DCC?) If it all checks out, you'll have to reset the decoder. It happens.
I'm assuming this is a Kato N-scale SD70ACe (UP 1996 Heritage unit decorated for SP)?? If it has a DCC decoder it's by Train Control Systems (TCS), although there are some with ESU Loksound sound decoders. You'd maybe want to check with their websites for more info on doing a re-set. (Some decoders do have a 'shut down' mode that you have to hit a certain F-button to wake back up.)
If you do get it running again, do a break-in run. Put it on a place where it can do some continous running, and run it about 15 min. or so forward, then 15 min. in reverse. Doing that loosens up the engine, it usually runs a lot better after that.
If it's QSI, try the startup sequence.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
wjstixYou'd maybe want to check with their websites for more info on doing a re-set.
That's the way my Bachmann 45 tonner is. It gets it's feeling hurt easily and refuses to run without a reset. Once it runs, it's not bad at all. It's on the list for a sound upgrade.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Thanks guys it's ANALOG for now, I did by a Digitrax plug n play decoder, you know , now that I think of it, this might just be the best time to install that decoder but I will get it on some track and give it a good run,
TrainsRMe1 Thanks guys it's ANALOG for now, I did by a Digitrax plug n play decoder, you know , now that I think of it, this might just be the best time to install that decoder but I will get it on some track and give it a good run,
In your loco's current state, installing a decoder is not going to fix the problem. One good rule for converting locos from DC to DCC is to ensure the loco runs good BEFORE the conversion.
You need to get the loco running, and ensure the problem is fixed. Otherwise, it will run even worse in DCC......or not at all.
You stated the loco is analog, doesn't run and the lights don't work. Have you even taken the shell off and looked for a broken or disconnected wire?
Terry
Inspired by Addiction
See more on my YouTube Channel
Hey Terry,
That's a good point I've been busy with other parts of my layout, but I will pop off the shell and check for any disconections, it ran okay the first time, then the next day this problem developed, I'm just hoping it's just either the gears haven't been used and they are gummed up or it's somehow dust that may have gotten inside.
oh yes, I just subscribred to your Youtube channel!
Trainsrrme1